LMS | Montpellier snatch victory against Paris and take the lead
The clash at the top between the two championship leaders has kept its promises. At the end of an intense match, unbreathable and full of twists and turns, it was Montpellier who won by a hair’s breadth against Paris (31-30). Patrice Canayer’s men are now the sole leaders of Starligue.
There were many absentees at the start of this legendary clash between the two most successful clubs in French handball. In Montpellier, Konan, Descat, Skube fill the stands while Paris left Syprzak at home. However, in a full Arena, it is a very high level show that nearly 10,000 spectators will attend.
A BREATHTAKING AND BALANCED FIRST HALF
Paris starts the meeting well. Despite a good Andreas Holst in the first moments (2 goals, 1 Decision assist), the Parisians managed the start of the game well and Luc Steins gave the reigning French champions a first break by scoring in the empty net (4-6, 10th). Montpellier reacts immediately to the affront of its visitors. The Héraultais inflict a 4-0 on PSG on a fast game in particular and recover in the direction of travel (8-6).
Even if they are more sanctioned (4 times 2 minutes and 4 jets of 7 meters), the Blanc de Montpellier keep Paris at a distance. Patrice Canayer trusts the young people who produce him well. Alexis Berthier thus temporarily replaces his captain with brio and scores two buts in a row. Paris suffers but does not break, despite Villeminot’s strokes of genius. Kristopans comes out of his box and Green pulls out some parades. Yet battered, PSG thus returned to the locker room tied thanks to a final but on kung-fu from the Latvian giant, well served by Steins (17-17).
PARIS RETURNS BETTER FROM THE LOCKER ROOM…
At the start of the second act, Paris returns more inspired. Steins organizes the game well and puts his back into orbit. Prandi and Kristopans pierce the Hérault defense. Little by little, the defenses manage to better manage the opposing attacks and the pace slows down a bit. Paris also benefits from a few well-felt saves from Green while the Montpellier porters are more in. The Danish goalkeeper thus stops the 7-meter throw from Hérault shot by Villeminot (22-22).
Around the 45th minute, the MHB seemed to stick out their tongues and conceded two goals from Sole Sala in quick succession. For the first time since the 10th minute, PSG leads by two goals (25-27). Montpellier will he crack? Canayer sets his time out.
… BUT CAPTAIN PORTE GETS HIS FLOCK ON TRACK
If the lessons of this match are numerous, there is one that has undoubtedly jumped out at the eyes of all the spectators: Valentin Porte is a fantastic right-back. Generous and hyperactive in defense, inspired in attack (6 goals, 5 assists), the captain of the MHB released a high class match. During the time out intelligently set by his coach, he gives voice and then the example on the ground. He thus scores in stride at 9 meters, before taking his responsibilities at 7 meters. The MHB is again in the game (28-28).
The game then becomes crazy. The atmosphere is unbreathable and the facts of the game are multiplying. Paris, which nevertheless plays its attacks at 7, stammers a few balls. On the Montpellier side, even if the players seem to be”hood open“, lucidity does not fly away. The young Dubois thus subtly serves Yanis Lenne, while Villeminot offers a caviar to the youngest of the siblings (30-29).
X-FACTOR DESBONNET
In inferiority following the exclusion of Toft Hansen, PSG still manages to equalize on a nice decisive pass from Kristopans to Luka Karabatic (30-30). Kyllian Villeminot responds quickly to this offensive, well served by captain Porte (31-30).
Paris then has a little over a minute to equalise. The attack lasts against Montpellier residents who have taken out the barbed wire. But the MHB defense gives in and Kristopans finds himself alone at 6 meters. Rémi Desbonnet explodes against the Latvian and saves Montpellier. The Hérault goalkeeper will only have made 5 saves (24%) tonight. But this one is very expensive. He leaps up and harangues the crowd. Arthur Lenne cries of joy. Montpellier wins 31-30 and takes the lead in the standings.
Tristan Paloc